Vince Scott bought the Boots Motel in Carthage, Mo., a few years ago with the sole purpose of quickly selling it again to Walgreens for a quick buck. However, Route 66 preservationists protested the impending deal, and Walgreens moved to greener pastures. Scott still has the motel, and admits the 1930s landmark could be a … Continue reading The perils of fast money and Route 66
Category: Preservation
National Route 66 organization proposed
The formation of a new, national Route 66 organization was proposed during the Route 66 Summit on Thursday at the National Route 66 Festival in Clinton, Okla. The organization would be similar to the old U.S. Highway 66 Association, which operated from 1927 to 1976, and the current-day Lincoln Highway Association, which has a paid … Continue reading National Route 66 organization proposed
Fire up the plane, crank the jukebox
I got this e-mail today from Ramona Kiewert, co-owner of the Bent Door in Adrian, Texas, on how progress has been with th old Route 66 business: The Music is playing and the Plane's flying at The Bent Door. Progress has been good this summer so far; the office area has now been painted as … Continue reading Fire up the plane, crank the jukebox
Stay for the view
The White Dog Hill restaurant east of Clinton, Okla., is distributing a flier for attendees at the National Route 66 Festival in town. The top of the leaflet says: Come for the food ... Stay for the view. It is truth in advertising. The White Dog Hill, formerly the Clinton Country Club decades ago, is … Continue reading Stay for the view
Presentations from the festival
I gave a couple of presentations during the workshops Thursday at the Route 66 Festival in Clinton. For those who missed them -- or those who just want a closer look -- they are online here: Media relations (writing press releases, being interviewed, interacting with reporters) Powerpoint version of the media relations presentation (downloadable) Route … Continue reading Presentations from the festival
Pontiac set to add to Route 66 attractions
A report by the Pontiac (Ill.) Daily Leader about Monday's city council meeting had items of interest for Route 66ers: A mural is planned on the east side of the Diaz Sign Art building at 628 W. Lincoln Ave. that says "Enjoy Pontiac, Illinois on Route 66" with a 1950s-era car and a Route 66 … Continue reading Pontiac set to add to Route 66 attractions
Project manager moves onto El Garces site
Now, this is what we call hands-on restoration. According to this story in the Mohave Daily News, artist and sculptor Dan Lutzick has been hired as project manager for the restoration of El Garces, a former Harvey House, in Needles, Calif. And he's not just dropping by the site every week or so: In April, … Continue reading Project manager moves onto El Garces site
Aztec Hotel will undergo renovations
The historic Aztec Hotel in Monrovia, Calif., is set to have a bunch of renovations in the coming weeks, including the renaming of its Elephant Bar, reported the Pasadena Star-News. The building has an extensive Mayan theme, and the work done will better reflect that. The hotel is receiving a $50,000 grant from the California … Continue reading Aztec Hotel will undergo renovations
Miami, Okla., jumps on Route 66 bandwagon
The Daily Oklahoman has a good overview about big changes in the offing for Miami, Okla., which once was tepid to Route 66 but now seems to have jumped onto the Mother Road bandwagon. The city has applied for a bunch of grants for streetscape improvements, shoring up historic properties and better signs to direct … Continue reading Miami, Okla., jumps on Route 66 bandwagon
Tearing down to build back up
The Lincoln (Ill.) Courier reported that the back portion of The Mill, a dilapidated former restaurant on Route 66 in Lincoln, was torn down Monday for safety reasons and as part of a renovation program. The part of the Mill that was saved includes the original 1929 section, shaped like a Dutch windmill, and the … Continue reading Tearing down to build back up